A bar code label maker is just a specialized printer that is capable of printing bar codes. Bar code printers are typically thermal transfer or thermal direct printers. There are numerous coding system and fonts for bar coding, depending on industry. For instance, UPC for universal product code, Postnet for mail delivery, EAN for worldwide product coding. The software to generate these various bar code schemes is built into the controller firmware of the specific printer you buy. but the software to direct what to print is typically included with your POS software or some other product inventory software you may use.